Steve Carrier on November 16, 2025
Rebel has been off AEW television for a long stretch, and now she’s revealing the heartbreaking reason why.
In a deeply emotional Instagram video, Rebel announced that she has been diagnosed with primary pulmonary lymphoma — a form of cancer in the lungs — after spending a full year being treated for the wrong illness.
She explained that in May 2024 she was hospitalized for what doctors believed was Cryptococcal pneumonia, a fungal infection that creates masses in the lungs. For an entire year, she remained on anti‑fungal medication, but never improved. That sent her to the Mayo Clinic searching for answers. After explaining how the year unfolded, she told fans:
“I wanted to give you guys an update on my health. As you know, in May of 2024 I was hospitalized for what I thought was Cryptococcal pneumonia, which is fungal masses on my lungs. I went a year on anti‑fungals, but I was not getting better. After a year of not getting better, I went to the Mayo Clinic to see if I could get treated by them.”
Once specialists reviewed her condition, everything changed. She learned she was never dealing with pneumonia at all — instead, doctors diagnosed her with lung cancer. Rebel shared the update with raw honesty, getting emotional as she tried to get through the message.
“But they found that it was not Cryptococcal pneumonia this whole time, and that it is primary pulmonary lymphoma, which is cancer in the lungs. If there is a best‑case scenario, then I have it, so that’s good. But that’s why recently… I found out and wanted to let you guys know. Sorry, I was trying to get that out before I pressed record.”
On top of the cancer diagnosis, Rebel revealed she’s now battling Functional Neurological Disorder — a condition triggered during her health crisis that has taken her ability to walk and speak. She also lost function in her right hand, giving her what she described as a claw-like grip.
“Tomorrow I start rehab, because along this tumultuous journey I have picked up a little disorder called Functional Neurological Disorder, and it has taken my ability to walk and my ability to speak. I also lost some ability and function in my right hand and have a claw hand.”
But before she can even begin treating the cancer, she has to win her current fight against a serious infection. She’s on IV antibiotics and must clear it before doctors will move on to chemotherapy, radiation, or another treatment option. If everything goes well, her cancer battle officially begins at the start of 2026.
“To address the cancer I have, I have a very serious infection right now and I’m on IV antibiotics, and I have to clear this infection first before I can address the cancer. Once that’s finished—hopefully in December—I will go in to determine what kind of treatment I will have, whether chemo, radiation… and we’ll start there and kick its ass, okay? I’m hoping that will start around the first of 2026.”
Rebel’s courage in sharing her diagnosis shows just how hard this year has been for her, but also how committed she is to her recovery. Everyone is hoping she wins this fight and eventually gets back to living a healthy and happy life.
What are your thoughts on Rebel’s announcement? Do you think AEW will address her situation publicly, and how do you want to see the wrestling world support her right now? Share your reactions, well‑wishes, and your message to Rebel below — your feedback matters.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
November 16, 2025 9:59 am
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